ROSMY celebrates 25 years with annual Springtime Celebration in May

One of RVA’s best known groups that supports LGBTQ youth has hit a milestone few other orgs can honor.

Back in 1991, ROSMY opened their doors in the hopes of giving kids who felt different because of who they loved, or who they were inside, a place to be safe. From there, the group has grown additional services like support groups, a suicide prevention hotline, and training. Additionally, ROSMY provides training to a variety of organizations like schools, police departments, hospitals, and other youth centers.

While the early days of the group was more about those support groups, and those support groups still run today, its the training programs that have really given ROSMY legs. In the last three years, the org has conducted 150 trainings attended by over 5,000 people – thats a lot of training on LGBTQ youth issues.

While the impact from that training continues to be felt and seen throughout the Central Virginia area, your chance to support their continue growth happens in May when they officially celebrate their 25th birthday at their annual Springtime Celebration.

In addition to their cocktail Celebration, the event will also honor particular individuals who have made changes within the org, and within the area, with the 2016 Catalyst Award.

Catalyst honorees this year include:

- Beth Panilaitis: Ms. Panilaitis formerly served as ROSMY’s Executive Director. During her five-and-a-half year tenure, Beth was a champion and spokesperson for LGBTQ+ youth and of LGBTQ+ rights.

- St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church: St. Stephen’s has long been a model of an inclusive faith community by opening its doors to individuals and families from all walks of life.

- Altria Group, Inc.: Altria has been a corporate leader in championing diversity and inclusion. Its LGBTQ+ affinity group, Mosaic, has taken a leadership role amongst other similar corporate groups in Richmond and nationally.

The Celebration will happen May 7, 2016, at the Tuckahoe Woman’s Club.

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